Dull pain in the neck, which increases with movement, headache, discomfort - these are the main symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis. This insidious disease can cause a lot of inconvenience to a person, so do not hesitate to visit a doctor.
Development of the disease
Cervical osteochondrosis is classified as a chronic disease. As a rule, the disease develops over a long period of time, due to which changes occur in tissues and organs.
The causes of the disease can be heavy physical exertion, monotonous movements associated with working conditions, prolonged stay in an awkward position. In addition, the appearance of cervical osteochondrosis can provoke low physical activity, which impairs the process of blood circulation in the tissues adjacent to the spine and intervertebral discs. As a result, the musculoskeletal system becomes weak. However, one of the most common causes of the disease is the so-called mechanical factor (trauma, vibration, noise, bruises).
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
The main symptoms of osteochondrosis of the neck are the following:
- headache, which may worsen during movement;
- reduced visual acuity;
- throbbing eye pain;
- increased pressure (occurs due to compression of blood vessels in the cervical region);
- chest pain, which may resemble the pain of angina pectoris;
- numbness of the hands;
- dizziness.
If any of these symptoms occur, you should consult a doctor.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Self-treatment of osteochondrosis is strictly excluded. After all, if painkillers can relieve the pain, then the inflammatory process is unlikely. In order not to worsen the situation, it is better to adhere to all prescriptions of the doctor.
Experts say it is impossible to completely cure cervical osteochondrosis, but at the same time it is possible to relieve symptoms, improve general condition and prevent exacerbations. For these purposes, the most suitable is a complex treatment, which includes the use of walk-on protectors (help to restore cartilage on the discs), vasodilators (activate blood circulation in the spine).
Patients with osteochondrosis are often prescribed a course of massage. The course is recommended to be held twice a year, 10 sessions at a time. This method of treatment can improve blood circulation and reduce pain.
Alternative medicine is also used to treat osteochondrosis, in particular resort to acupuncture and manual therapy. In some cases, electrophoresis and therapeutic exercises are also prescribed.
Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis
The best prevention of osteochondrosis is exercise. You can do yoga, fitness, swimming and other activities regularly or you can do simple exercises that will be useful for your neck and spine.
For example, you can tilt your head: while exhaling, tilt your head slightly forward, while inhaling - back. Make three inclines in each direction. Then do the same by tilting your head left and right. Try to keep your movements smooth.
In addition, try to do the following: join your palms over your head while pulling your elbows to the side. Then press your palms together with all your might, gradually relaxing your arms. Repeat 3 times.
You can finish the light gymnastics with self-massage by rubbing your neck with circular movements of your hands. Remember that the main thing is not to cure the disease, but to prevent its occurrence. We wish you not to get sick and stay beautiful and happy longer!